Public art installation of Durga with Pipili art and Rath

Kolkata: Giving a fresh lease of life to the 850-year old Pipili art form Odisha, Goddess Durga has been seated inside a replica of the famous Puri 'Rath' (wheel chariot) at a public art installation here.

A group of 50 artists from Pipili and Raghunathpur village near Puri came to the city recently to decorate the idol with vibrant colours and mythological motifs.

Placed inside South City Mall, the idol of Goddess Durga has been conceptualized as riding a 30-feet-long 'rath' from Puri.

"With the aim to give Pipili art, a dying art form, a fresh perspective and the much-needed fillip for revival, we are taking visitors on a sojourn to Odisha this Puja. The decor will showcase the creative brilliance of Pipili artisans," Reshmi Roy, South City Projects deputy general manager, said.

A tiny town called Pipli lends its name to the region's unique applique work that dates back to the 10th century.

With vibrant hues of red, yellow, green and blue, the Pipili craft involves embroidering and stitching of small pieces of coloured cloth.

Besides intricate geometric patterns, motifs are dominated by flowers, birds, animals, with the elephant and peacock being per-dominant.

"The reason behind choosing this particular art form is also its spellbinding range of colours and the scope of illumination it offers. This is perfectly in tune with the mood of revelry and vibrancy in the city during the puja days," Roy said.

Drawing crowds including pandal-hoppers and last minute shoppers, the entire decor will be on display till the Diwali season begins.

The Goddess is, however, not being worshiped here as it is a public art installation.